The casualties of landmines planted randomly by Houthi militias have increased by 30 percent in Feb. compared to the same period last year, a report by the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) showed.
Data published by an independent Yemeni organization also showed that 42 people were killed and 61 were wounded from landmines in six weeks, since the beginning of the new year.
In February 2023, UNMHA recorded 21 civilian casualties due to landmines and ERW incidents, a 30 percent increase compared to February 2022 (16) and a nine percent decrease compared to January 2023 (23).
This includes nine civilians injured (five children) and 12 killed (one woman killed and six children killed). The casualties were distributed across the Al Garrahi, Al Hali, Ad Durayhimi, Bayt Al Faqih, At Tuhayta, and Hays districts.
"Hodeidah Governorate remains the most landmine and ERW-impacted governorate in Yemen. Freedom of movement and livelihood activities of the local population has been restricted due to the risk of landmines and ERW."
"UNMHA continues to advocate for urgent humanitarian mine action and international support to demining efforts in the governorate."
The Yemeni Landmine Records documented the death of 42 and the injury of 61 between January and mid-February in nine Yemeni provinces.
Three children were killed in Hais by a landmine planted by the militias on a football field. This incident reveals that the Houthis' use of mines "was never for military purposes but to paralyze public life".
The Houthis have planted landmines in schools and agricultural areas and even around water sources, added the report.
The Yemen Executive Mine Action Center (YEMAC) - Taiz - documented 17 deaths and 20 casualties of women out of 1,222 victims of the landmines planted by the Houthis between 2017 and Feb. 2023.
YEMAC revealed that the stories of women about landmines “break the heart”.
The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance in Yemen (MASAM) announced removing during the first week of March 880 landmines planted by the Houthi militias across Yemen.
They were distributed as follows: 677 unexploded ordnance, two explosive devices, 198 anti-tank mines, and three anti-personnel mines.
Since its launch, MASAM has removed 390,586 mines randomly planted by the Houthi militias.
